Procedures & Services

Savannah Perinatology Associates provides care for mothers with a variety of challenges or health concerns, including:

Multiple gestations (twins, triplets, or more)

Previous birth defects

Maternal or fetal genetic issues

Advanced maternal age

High blood pressure

Diabetes

Kidney disease

Poor obstetric history

Previous pregnancy loss

Preterm labor

Our Services

Amniocentesis: A genetic test that involves removing a small amount of amniotic fluid from the sac surrounding the fetus. When performed at 13 to 15 weeks gestation, it has a risk of miscarriage of only 1 percent to 2 percent. When performed after 15 weeks, the risk is 1 in 1,600, or .06 percent.

Basic Ultrasound Examinations (Level I): An exam used to determine the gestational age of the pregnancy and evaluate fetal anatomy.

Biophysical Profiles (BPP): A test to determine the wellbeing of your baby during pregnancy. Typically, a BPP includes a nonstress test (electronic fetal heart monitoring) and a fetal ultrasound.

Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS): A genetic test that involves sampling a small amount of tissue from the placenta; it is performed early in pregnancy (10 to 14 weeks). A CVS is generally done when a significant abnormality is noted during early ultrasound or if you or the father has an inherited disease. This testing can also be performed for chromosome analysis due to advanced maternal age or an abnormal first trimester screening. The risk of miscarriage after CVS is 1 in 200, or .5 percent. It can be performed abdominally or vaginally.

Circulating Cell-Free Fetal DNA Testing (MaterniT21 Plus Test): A prenatal blood test that analyzes chromosome-specific cell-free DNA fragments in the mother’s blood to detect common fetal trisomies and sex chromosome abnormalities. It can be performed any time after 10 weeks gestation. It is currently only offered to women who are considered high risk. This is a screening test and is not considered diagnostic. If your results are abnormal, a CVS or amniocentesis is needed in order to definitively diagnosis one of these conditions.

Comprehensive Ultrasound Examination (Level II): A more detailed type of ultrasound used to assess the fetus for physical/structural birth defects and signs of common genetic syndromes.

Doppler Ultrasound: A technique used to measure blood flow to your baby that is commonly performed when there is suspected fetal growth restriction or maternal hypertension (high blood pressure). It can also be used to assess for fetal anemia in pregnancies affected by maternal isoimmunization (i.e., Rh incompatibility).

Fetal Echocardiography (ECHO): A specialized ultrasound exam that assesses the structure of your baby’s heart before birth. This exam is most commonly performed on women who have diabetes or a prior child with congenital heart disease and fetal arrhythmia.

Fetal Invasive Procedures: Our physicians are skilled in other fetal invasive procedures, such as cordocentesis (fetal blood sampling from the umbilical cord to assess for anemia) and vesicocentesis (fetal urine analysis to assess kidney function). If your baby requires advanced fetal surgery or therapy, we will coordinate your care with centers specializing in these procedures (i.e., in utero repair of spina bifida, laser therapy for twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome).

First Trimester Screening: A blood test and a specialized ultrasound of the baby’s neck (performed at 11 and 13 weeks of pregnancy) to identify babies who are at increased risk for Down syndrome (trisomy 21) and trisomy 18.

Genetic Counseling: A consultation with a qualified genetic counselor to review your family history for inherited diseases and to assess potential risks in a pregnancy. Our genetic counselors provide educational information and can often help minimize your concerns. They discuss the advantages and disadvantages of genetic testing and help arrange these tests when needed. They also review test results and provide additional resources when needed.

Preconception Consultations: This service is helpful for patients who are considering a future pregnancy but have concerns regarding pre-existing medical, obstetrical, or genetic problems. This consultation may also include genetic counseling. The goal for these visits is to develop a plan to optimize the outcome of future pregnancies.

Sequential Screening: A screening test that uses information from a first trimester screening, along with a second blood test at 16 weeks, to detect Down syndrome and trisomy 18. It also screens for a birth defect in the fetal spine called spina bifida.